Bulldogs Open NCAA Championships With A Round Of 306 Tuesday

SAVANNAH, GA -- The Bryant University men's golf team opened the 2005 NCAA Golf tournament Tuesday morning with a score of 306 placing the Bulldogs in 20th after the morning round.  The Bulldogs were led by Brenden Smith's three over 74.  Temperatures were in the mid 70's this morning at the par-71 Savannah Harbor Resort and hit 80 degrees by midday.  

Taking advantage of the early start, Bryant got off to a strong start but struggled after the turn at nine and finished the round just before 2 p.m.

Smith had one birdie through the first nine and opened the back nine with a birdie at the par-4 tenth and after a bogey at 11, the junior from North Attleboro birdied the 13th to finish one over through the final nine holes.

Dan Falcucci, who along with his brother David has competed in the NCAA Championships four-straight years, went out shooting four over through the first nine holes but finished up strong with a birdie at 12 and 15 and added five pars to finish even over the back nine for a four over 75.

Jim O'Connell, co-medalist at the NCAA Regionals in New Jersey two weeks ago, had just one birdie on the day but turned in a solid six-straight pars on the back nine to finish with a 77.  Mike Philipp and David Falcucci shot 80 and 81 respectively. 

"The guys are trying very hard to play well this week," said head coach Archie Boulet who has guided the Bulldogs to 17 final appearances during his 41 years at Bryant.  "It's extremely tough competition here (at the finals).  They are all scholarship players and they're the best players in the country."

The Bulldogs have a chance to make up some ground work tomorrow as three more rounds still remain.  The team will be able to rest a little longer as they will tee off Wednesday at noon.

"Every tournament I've been two, we've had one bad round and always bounced back," added Boulet.  "We played very well during our two practice rounds (301 and 302 on Sunday and Monday).  We'll be fine."

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